Columns and Mod Scenes

Zach Anderson from Journey in Butte, MT brings us this cool combo of spandex hula hoop towers and homemade Mod Scenes.

This was a simple design utilizing some homemade Mod Scenes and spandex sheets as towers. The sheets were attached to small hula hoops, then attached to a wire that was hung from wall to wall on the stage giving a very hidden appearance.

Building Spandex Columns: A Practical Guide

This design demonstrates how effective stage elements don’t require massive budgets or professional fabrication skills. The spandex column technique shown here creates dramatic vertical elements that add height, color, and visual interest to any worship space. What makes this approach particularly appealing for churches is its affordability and the fact that most of the work can be accomplished by volunteers with minimal tools.

The construction method is straightforward: hula hoops provide the circular frames at the top and bottom of each column, while spandex fabric stretched between them creates the clean, cylindrical shape. When backlit with LED fixtures, these columns glow beautifully and can shift colors throughout a service to match different moods and moments. The Mod Scenes in front add geometric patterns and additional texture, creating depth when viewed from the congregation.

Materials and Cost Breakdown

For churches considering this design, here’s what you’ll need for a similar setup with six columns:

• Hula hoops: 12 small hoops (typically 24-28 inch diameter) – approximately $3-5 each from dollar stores or online retailers
• Spandex fabric: 6 yards per column (18-20 feet tall columns) – about $8-12 per yard depending on width and quality
• Cable/wire system: Aircraft cable or heavy-duty fishing line for suspension – $30-50
• Attachment hardware: Eye hooks, carabiners, and cable clamps – $25-40
• Mod Scenes (optional): Coroplast panels with custom patterns – $30-50 per panel if purchased, or $5-10 each if DIY
• LED uplighting: Battery-powered or wired RGB lights to illuminate columns – $50-150 depending on quality

Total estimated cost: $300-600 for the complete column system, making this an extremely budget-friendly option compared to truss towers or custom fabrications.

Design Variations to Consider

One of the strengths of this column design is its flexibility. Churches can adapt the concept in several ways:

Height adjustments: The columns can be made taller or shorter depending on your ceiling height. For lower ceilings, consider 10-12 foot columns. For dramatic atriums, extend them to 25-30 feet using additional support.

Color options: While white spandex offers the most lighting flexibility, colored spandex can create specific moods without any lighting at all. Consider deep blue for contemplative moments, warm amber for celebration, or alternating colors across the stage.

Texture additions: Some churches have added lightweight fabric overlays, ribbon streamers, or even projected patterns onto the spandex surface for special events like Easter or Christmas.

Volunteer Coordination Tips

This project is ideal for volunteer teams because it breaks down into clear, manageable tasks:

• Fabric cutting team: Measure and cut spandex to length (allow extra for folding over hoops)
• Assembly team: Attach fabric to hula hoops using zip ties or fabric adhesive
• Rigging team: Install cable system and suspend columns (may require someone comfortable with ladders)
• Lighting team: Position and program LED fixtures for desired effects

Plan for approximately 4-6 hours of setup time with a team of 6-8 volunteers. The columns can be stored between services by carefully collapsing them or leaving them suspended if your space allows.

Related Designs

Looking for more inspiration using similar materials and techniques? Check out these related stage designs:

• Shattered Spandex – Another creative approach to using spandex fabric for dramatic vertical stage elements with a fractured, artistic look
• Tube Ceiling – Uses suspended spandex tubes overhead to create immersive lighting effects from above
• Christmas Triangles – Features geometric coroplast shapes similar to Mod Scenes, perfect for understanding alternative pattern layouts
• Light Chimes – A creative PVC pipe design featuring illuminated hanging tubes that create ethereal lighting effects perfect for worship
• Strata – A recent design showcasing layered horizontal elements that create depth through strategic spacing and lighting
• Echo Lines – Uses repeated vertical elements to draw the eye upward, similar to the column concept but with a different material approach

Pro Tips for Column and Spandex Stage Designs

Secure Your Suspension Points: Before hanging any weight from your ceiling, verify that attachment points can safely support the load. Hula hoops with stretched fabric are relatively light (5-10 pounds per column), but always use proper hardware rated for at least twice your expected load. Consult with your facilities team or a structural engineer if you’re uncertain about anchor points.

Wrinkle Prevention: Spandex shows every wrinkle when backlit, so take time to stretch the fabric evenly when attaching it to the hoops. Work around the circle in small increments, pulling the fabric taut as you go. If wrinkles persist, a handheld steamer can help smooth the fabric after installation.

Lighting Placement Matters: Position your LED uplights at least 2-3 feet away from the column base for even illumination. Closer placement creates hot spots, while greater distance provides smoother gradients. Experiment with angling lights from different directions—side lighting creates dramatic shadows, while direct uplighting produces a cleaner glow.

Storage Strategy: When the design comes down, store spandex columns by rolling them gently rather than folding to prevent permanent creases. Keep hula hoops flat or hung to prevent warping. Label each column’s position if you plan to reinstall them later—this saves significant setup time for seasonal rotations.

Related: Cross and Fabric – Church stage design with fabric elements.

Related: PVC Pipe Trusses – DIY trusses using PVC pipe.

Related: Versatile Brilliance – Discover how Seven Marks Church built custom LED fixtures using 1×2 lumber and LED tape lighting for versatile stage illumination.